Stampedes, Crickets, Mango Cookies: This Week in Dallas Dining

Observer food critic Scott Reitz is off work being a good son this weekend, so I'll wrap it up for the week.

Stephan Pyles' new restaurant Stampede 66 was the subject of this week's review. Scott was disappointed cricket tacos weren't on the menu, despite the how comical those little legs are if they get stuck in one's teeth. Alas, this spot is an ode to all that is Big D, where the stars at night are big and bright -- you take it!

If you're looking for a way to stay warm this weekend, Scott found a Texas whiskey (which he oddly is keeping at his house and not at the office) and an atomic wing sauce (which is oddly at the office).

Cathy Frisinger at DFW.com swooned about the new Magnolia Cheese Company in Fort Worth. Frisinger writes that the spot, "a cheese shop-cum-cafe that dares to offer delicate portions and take-your-time service, has thrown down a gauntlet to Fort Worth diners: Slow down, sip, notice the fresh flavors, savor each morsel."

And Jose Ralat Maldonado at the Taco Trail cornered John Tesar at the upscale seafood restaurant Spoon, and got him to make an Ipswich clam taco, which should be on the lunch menu soon.

And, that's a wrap. Just one more thing though. Next Wednesday in National Pie Day. Make us proud.